Division of Religious and Theological Studies

The following list reflects the 2007/2008 faculty.

Director Jonathan Klawans

Director, Graduate Studies Frank Korom

Faculty

Kecia Ali Assistant Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Stanford University; MA, PhD, Duke University

Nancy Ammerman Chair, Department of Sociology; Professor of Sociology of Religion, School of Theology. BA, Southwest Baptist University; MA, University of Louisville; MPhil, PhD, Yale University

John H. Berthrong Associate Dean, School of Theology; Associate Professor of Comparative Theology, School of Theology. BA, University of Kansas; MA, Chicago Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Chicago

Carole R. Bohn Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology, and Religion, School of Theology; Faculty Advisor, The Danielsen Institute. MTS, Harvard University; MEd, EdD, Boston University

Alisa Bokulvich Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. PhD, University of Notre Dame

Christopher B. Brown Assistant Professor of Church History, School of Theology and College of Arts & Sciences. BA, MA, PhD, Harvard University; MDiv, Concordia Seminary

Chai-sik Chung Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics, School of Theology. BA, Yonsei University; BD, Harvard University Divinity School; PhD, Boston University

Gina Cogan Assistant Professor of Asian Religions. BA, Georgetown University; MA, New York University; PhD, Columbia University

Alice Cronin-Golomb Associate Professor of Psychology. BA, Wesleyan University; PhD, California Institute of Technology

Katheryn Pfisterer Darr Professor of Hebrew Bible, School of Theology and College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Kentucky Wesleyan College; MA, PhD, Vanderbilt University

M. David Eckel Associate Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Theology. BA, MA, University of Oxford (England); PhD, Harvard University

Paula Fredriksen William Goodwin Aurelio Professor of the Appreciation of the Bible, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Theology. BA, Wellesley College; Theology Diploma, University of Oxford (England); PhD, Princeton University

Donna Freitas Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion. BA, Georgetown University; PhD, Catholic University of America

Garth W. Green Assistant Professor of Philosophy of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Theology. BA, University of Arizona; MA, Catholic University of Louvain; MA, PhD, Boston University

John Hart Professor of Christian Ethics, School of Theology and College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Marist College; STM, MPhil, PhD, Union Theological Seminary

Ray L. Hart Dean ad interim, School of Theology; Professor of Theology & Philosophy of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences and School of  Theology; Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, University of Texas; BD, Southern Methodist University; PhD, Yale University (for sabbatical 2008–09)

Steven T. Katz Director, Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies; Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Rutgers University; MA, New York University; PhD, University of Cambridge (England)

Jonathan Klawans Director, Division of Religious & Theological Studies; Associate Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. MA, New York University; PhD, Columbia University

Deeana Klepper Chair, Department of Religion. Associate Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. MA, PhD, Northwestern University

Jennifer W. Knust Assistant Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, School of Theology and Department of Religion. BS, University of Illinois; MDiv, Union Theological Seminary; MA, PhD, Columbia University

Frank Korom Director, Graduate Studies. Associate Professor of Religion and Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, University of Colorado; MA, PhD, University of Pennsylvania

Christopher I. Lehrich Assistant Professor of Religion. BA, MA, PhD, University of Chicago (on leave 2008–09)

Hillel Levine Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Queen’s College; MHL, Jewish Theological Seminary of America; MA, New School for Social Research; PhD, Harvard University

Diana Lobel Associate Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Oberlin College; MTS, Harvard Divinity School; PhD, Harvard University

Michael Lyons Associate Professor of Psychology. BA, C. W. Post University; MA, PhD, University of Louisville

Henry Marcucella Professor of Psychology; Chair, of the Psychology Department. AB, Northeastern University; AM, PhD, Boston University

Thomas Michael Assistant Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Portland State University; MA, PhD, Harvard University

Robert C. Neville Director, The Danielsen Institute; Professor of Philosophy, Religion, and Theology, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Theology; Dean Emeritus, School of Theology. BA, MA, PhD, Yale University; DD, Lehigh University

Alan Olson Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, St. Olaf College; MDiv, Luther Theological Seminary; PhD, Boston University

Stephen Prothero Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Yale University; MA, PhD, Harvard University

Shelly Rambo Assistant Professor of Theology, School of Theology. BA, Houghton College; MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary; STM, Yale Divinity School; PhD, Emory University

Dana L. Robert Truman Collins Professor of World Christianity and Mission, School of Theology; Co-Director, Center for Global Christianity & Mission. MA, PhD, Yale University

Chris R. Schlauch Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology and Religion, and Psychology of Religion, School of Theology and College of Arts & Sciences; Coordinator, Counseling Psychology and Religion, Division of Religious & Theological Studies. BA, Rutgers University; MDiv, Yale University; PhD, University of Chicago

Adam Seligman Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, State University of New York; MA, Center for Contemporary Cultural Studies; PhD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)

Andrew D. J. Shenton James R. Houghton Scholar of Sacred Music, Assistant Professor of Sacred Music, School of Theology; Assistant Professor of Music, College of Fine Arts and College of Arts & Sciences. BMus, London University; MM, Yale University; AM, PhD, Havard University

Bryan Stone E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism, School of Theology and College of Arts & Sciences; Co-Director, Center for Practical Theology. BA, Southern Nazarene University; MDiv, Nazarene Theological Seminary; PhD, Southern Methodist University

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Merlin Swartz Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Eastern Mennonite College; BD, Goshen College; PhD, Harvard University

James Christopher Walters Associate Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, School of Theology and College of Arts & Sciences. BA, MAR, Harding University; MTh, Harding Graduate School of Religion; PhD, Boston University

Kirk Wegter-McNelly Assistant Professor of Theology, School of Theology. BA, Central College; MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD, Graduate Theological Union

Elie Wiesel University Professor; Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Humanities; Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. MA, Université Paris I (France); LitD, LHD, LHebD, PhD, LLd (hon.) (on sabbatical 2008–09)

Wesley J. Wildman Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics, School of Theology. BA, Flinders University (Australia); BD, University of Sydney (Australia); PhD, Graduate Theological Union

Claire Wolfteich Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Spiritual Formation, School of Theology; Co-Director, Center for Practical Theology. BA, Yale University; MDiv, PhD, University of Chicago

Deborah Youngman Assistant Professor of Developmental Studies and Counseling; BA, Pitzer College; MA, Lesley College; EdD, Boston University

Michael Zank Associate Professor of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. MTHS, Evangelical Church of the Palatinate Speyer am Phein (Germany); PhD, Brandeis University

Affiliated Faculty

Clifford Backman Associate Professor of History, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, MA, University of Minnesota; MA, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

Thomas J. Barfield Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, University of Pennsylvania; MA, PhD, Harvard University

Anthony Barrand Associate University Professor; Associate Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, University of Keele (England); PhD, Cornell University

Laurence Breiner Associate Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, Boston College; MPhil, PhD, Yale University

Klaus E. Brinkmann Chair and Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. PhD, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen (Germany)

Tian Yu Cao Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Peking University (China); PhD, University of Cambridge (England)

William C. Carroll Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, Oberlin College; MPhil, PhD, Yale University

Dennis Costa Associate Professor of Italian, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Fordham University; MA, Cornell University; MPhil, PhD, Yale University

Jeffrey P. Coulter Professor of Sociology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Durham University (England); MA, PhD, Victoria University of Manchester (England)

Daniel Dahlstrom Professor and Chair of Philosophy Department, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Xavier University; MA, PhD, St. Louis University

Emily Dalgarno Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences; Alice Freeman Palmer Fellow, American Association of University Women. BA, William Smith College; AM, PhD, Brown University

Charles Dellheim Professor and Chair, Department of History, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, State University of New York, Binghamton; MA, PhD, Yale University

Barbara Diefendorf Professor of History, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, MA, PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Leslie Epstein Director, Creative Writing Program, Department of English; Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, DFA, Yale University; MA, University of California, Los Angeles

Juliet Floyd Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Wellesley College; PhD, Harvard University

Aaron Fogel Associate Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Columbia College; BA, MA, University of Cambridge (England); PhD, Columbia University

Aaron Garrett Assistant Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. PhD, New School for Social Research

Irene Gendzier Professor of Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, Barnard College; MA, PhD, Columbia University

Abigail Gillman Assistant Professor of German and Hebrew, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Yale; PhD, Cornell University

Thomas Glick Professor of History and Geography, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, PhD, Harvard University; MA, Columbia University

Eric Goldstein Chairman and Professor of International Relations, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Tufts University; MA, MALD, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; PhD, University of Cambridge (England)

Charles Griswold Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Trinity College; MA, PhD, Pennsylvania State University

Wolfgang Haase Professor of Classical Studies, College of Arts & Sciences. PhD, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen (Germany)

Shahla Haeri Associate Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences. PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

Robert Hefner Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, MA, PhD, University of Michigan

Jaakko Hintikka Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences. Cand Phil, Lic Phil, PhD, Helsingin Yliopisto (Finland)

Nicholas Huckle Preceptor in French, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Sheffield University (England); MA, Boston University; PhD, Brown University

Victor Kestenbaum Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences; Associate Professor of Education, School of Education. AB, EdD, Rutgers University; MAT, Trenton State College

Jefferson T. Kline Professor of French, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Oberlin College; MA, PhD, Columbia University

Charles Lindholm University Professor; Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. BA, MA, PhD, Columbia University

John Matthews Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. MA, PhD, Johns Hopkins University

Jeffrey Mehlman University Professor of French, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, Harvard University; PhD, Yale University

Krzysztof Michalski Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences; Director, Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen (Austria). PhD, Uniwersytet Warszawski (Poland)

Susan Mizruchi Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Washington University; PhD, Princeton University

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Augustus R. Norton Professor of International Relations and Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, MA, University of Miami; PhD, University of Chicago

Elizabeth Prodromou Assistant Professor, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Tufts University; MALD, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; MA, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bruce Redford University Professor; Professor of Art History; Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Brown University; BA, King’s College, University of Cambridge (England); PhD, Princeton University

Christopher Ricks William and Sara B. Warren Professor of Humanities; Codirector, Editorial Institute, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, BLitt, MA, University of Oxford (England)

Jon H. Roberts Professor of History, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, University of Missouri; AM, PhD, Harvard University

Stanley Rosen Borden Parker Bowne Professor of Philosophy. BA, PhD, University of Chicago

Stephen P. Scully Associate Professor of Classical Studies, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, New York University; MA, University of North Carolina; PhD, Brown University

Alfred I. Tauber Professor of Philosophy; Director, Center for Philosophy & History of Science, College of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine. BS, MD, Tufts University

Karen B. Westerfield Tucker Professor of Worship, School of Theology. BA, Emory and Henry College; MDiv, Duke University; MA, PhD, University of Notre Dame

Rosanna Warren Emma Ann MacLachlan Professor in the Humanities; Associate University Professor; Associate Professor of English; Associate Professor of Modern Foreign Languages & Literatures, College of Arts & Sciences and Graduate School. BA, Yale University; MA, Johns Hopkins University

Roye E. Wates Professor of Music, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Birmingham-Southern College; PhD, Yale University

Robert Weller Professor and Chair of Anthropology Department. PhD, Johns Hopkins University

James R. Wiseman Director, Center for Archaeological Studies; Professor of Archaeology, Classical Studies, and Art History, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, University of Missouri; AM, PhD, University of Chicago

Emeriti

Louis Aikman Professor Emeritus of Education. BS, Central Normal College; MS, Indiana State University; EdD, Columbia University

Peter L. Berger University Professor Emeritus; Professor Emeritus of the Sociology of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences and Graduate School, School of Theology; Director, Institute for the Study of Economic Culture. Director, Institute for Religion and World Affairs. BA, Wagner College; MA, PhD, New School for Social Research

Geoffrey Hill University Professor Emeritus; Professor Emeritus of Literature and Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, MA, DLitt (hon.), Hon. Fellow, Keble College, University of Oxford (England)

Livia Kohn Professor Emerita of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences. Associate Director, Division of Religious and Theological Studies. Dr. habil., Georg-August Universität Göttingen (Germany); PhD, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität Bonn (Germany)

Carter Lindberg Professor Emeritus of Church History, School of Theology. AB, Augustana College; BD, Lutheran School of Theology; PhD, State University of Iowa

Herbert Mason University Professor Emeritus; Professor Emeritus of Religion and History, College of Arts & Sciences. AB, AM, PhD, Harvard University

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The Graduate Program

The Division of Religious & Theological Studies offers MA and PhD degrees. Entering graduate students may choose among twelve areas of specialization in three main subject areas, each of which is cross cultural and multi disciplinary. When it is beneficial to their academic program, students in the Division may take courses in other schools and departments, including but not limited to the following: Anthropology, Art History, Classics, English, History, Modern Languages & Comparative Literature, Religion, Sociology, the University Professors Program, and the School of Theology. Core and affiliated faculty may serve as major professors, assisting in the design of programs of study and in the evaluation of qualifying examinations, theses, and dissertations.

Through the Boston Theological Institute, Division students may register for courses in the consortium that includes Andover-Newton Theological School, Boston College, Harvard Divinity School, Gordon-Conwell School of Theology, St. John’s Seminary, and Weston School of Theology. All Division PhD students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in Institute courses, have access to member libraries.

The Division adheres to all Graduate School of Arts & Sciences policies and requirements as outlined in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: Departments and Degree Programs section of this website.

Application and Admission January 1 is the application deadline for September admission. Applicants must submit (1) application forms; (2) transcripts of all college or university work; (3) three letters of reference; (4) a statement of purpose; (5) an academic writing sample; (6) GRE scores from a test taken within the last five years. International applicants must also submit TOEFL scores from a test taken within the last three years.

An applicant must indicate the specific area of specialization into which he or she seeks admission. The Division does not offer a general MA or PhD in religious studies. The Division of Religious & Theological Studies does not offer ThD and DMin degrees. These are offered through the School of Theology. There is no spring admission. Please contact the program coordinator to ask questions.

Financial Assistance The Division awards a limited number of tuition scholarships and stipends to entering PhD students based on academic merit. PhD students entering the second and third years of study may apply for research or teaching assistantships for which a stipend, as well as tuition coverage, is paid. Applicants who wish to request financial assistance should (1) mark yes in the space provided on the application form for Divisional financial assistance; (2) contact the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Financial Assistance office (617-353-2696) for information on other sources of aid; (3) file the FAFSA form with the Graduate School Financial Assistance office. Continuing students should file a financial aid request in the Division office (145 Bay State Road, Room 302) by February 15 of the academic year prior to the one for which they are requesting aid.

Prerequisites An applicant to the MA or MA/PhD (post-bachelor’s PhD) program should hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in an area related to the proposed area of specialization. An applicant to the post-master’s PhD program should hold an accredited Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree in an area related to the area of specialization. The master’s degree program must have included at least four courses in the proposed field.

Entering students should show transcript evidence of having studied at least two religious traditions. If this requirement has not been met before admission, it may be met during the course of study by taking a course approved by the major professor. A course used to satisfy this requirement will not be counted toward the minimum course requirements for the degree.

Time Frame for Completion Master’s students have 3 years to complete their degree. Post-master’s doctoral students have 7 years to complete their degree, while post-bachelor’s students have 8. After this time limit has been reached, students will need to successfully petition the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences for an extension. If the extension is granted, the student will continue in the program, but will be charged the Graduate School rate for continuing student fees.

Master of Arts

Master of Arts degrees are offered in all fields of concentration except Counseling Psychology and Religion (CPAR) and Psychology of Religion.

Courses In addition to the prerequisite and requisite courses set forth above, eight 4-hour semester courses (32 semester hours) are required as a minimum for the Master of Arts degree. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the Specialization Coordinator or the Advisor.

Language French or German is required of all MA candidates. This requirement may be satisfied by transcript evidence of having passed two years of undergraduate study of the language, by Division examination, or by passing GRS LG 621 (German) or GRS LF 621 (French). These are non-credit courses offered by the Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures. Additional languages may be required at the discretion of the Specialization Coordinator or the Advisor.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis After fulfilling course requirements, an MA candidate must write and defend a thesis or pass a comprehensive examination. For more details, go to www.bu.edu/drts. Choose Handbook.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in all fields of concentration.

Post-bachelor’s PhD (MA/PhD)

Admission is to PhD candidacy, but the MA may be awarded to a candidate upon his or her petition when all MA requirements have been fulfilled.

Course Requirements Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Religion I & II (GRS RN 795/796 or STH TZ 802/803)—all MA and PhD students must pass this two-semester course. This course does not count toward the minimum course requirements for the PhD degree. This course does count toward required credits for the MA degree. Sixteen 4-hour semester courses (64 semester hours) are required as a minimum for the post-bachelor’s PhD degree. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the Specialization Coordinator or the Advisor. All other requirements are the same as for the post-master’s PhD and are outlined below.

Post-master’s PhD

Course Requirements In addition to the prerequisite and requisite courses set forth above, eight 4-hour semester courses (32 semester hours) are required as a minimum for the post-master’s PhD degree. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the Specialization Coordinator or the Advisor. All other requirements are outlined below.

Language and Research Competence Requirements During the first two years of graduate study, PhD candidates are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of two foreign languages, one of which must be French or German. The second language, if not French or German, should be clearly related to the dissertation research. In some concentrations, such as Counseling Psychology and Religion, and Science, Philosophy, and Religion, research methods are substituted for the second foreign language.

PhD language requirements must be satisfied by examination. The Departments of Modern Languages & Comparative Literature and Romance Studies offer free non-credit courses in French and German reading for graduate students.

The first language examination must be passed by the end of the first year of study. The second language requirement must be met by the end of the second year.

Passed language exams must be reported to the Division office at 145 Bay State Road, Room 302.

Fulfillment of each language requirement is noted on the transcript.

Qualifying Examinations Before proceeding to the dissertation, students are required to pass three or four separate qualifying examinations. PhD candidates may schedule qualifying examinations after successful completion of all coursework and language requirements. One retake is allowed for each examination. Qualifying examinations may not be extended longer than two semesters. Passage of each qualifying exam must be reported to the Division office located at 145 Bay State Road, Room 302. Completion of all qualifying examinations is noted on the transcript.

Prospectus (Dissertation Outline) After passing qualifying examinations, the student must present a formal proposal for the dissertation, which, after approval by the Committee on Academic Programs, is filed in the Graduate School Records office.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination See “General Requirements for the PhD” in this bulletin.

Academic Affiliations

Under descriptions of each specialization is listed a representative sampling of appropriate courses offered at Boston University. Course descriptions are listed for CAS/GRS RN courses only; for descriptions of other courses, please see individual department listings in this Bulletin and in Bulletins for the School of Theology (STH), the School of Education (SED), and the College of Fine Arts (CFA). Please note that students also have access to courses taught through the Boston Theological Institute.

In addition, Boston University Graduate School students may cross-register for graduate courses at Boston College, Brandeis University, and Tufts University.

Fields of Concentration

There are 12 fields of concentration in three subject areas as follows:

I. Religious Texts and Traditions

1. Judaic Studies
2. New Testament and Christian Origins
3. History of Christianity
4. Islamic Studies

II. Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics

5. Philosophy of Religion
6. Science, Philosophy, and Religion
7. Theology
8. Social Ethics

III. Religion, Culture, and Society

9. Religion and Society
10. Religion and Literature
11. Psychology of Religion
12. Counseling Psychology and Religion

Below are brief descriptions of the specializations. For further information, contact the Division of Religious and Theological Studies, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-353-2636.

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Judaic Studies

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Katz

Darr, Dellheim, Fredriksen, Gillman, Glick, Hecht, Katz, Klawans, Klepper, Levine, Lobel, Mehlman, Parker, Wiesel, Zank

This program is flexible and has several tracks. Students can concentrate on biblical studies, on the Bible and the history of biblical interpretation up to the late Middle Ages, on Classical Jewish history and literature, Medieval Studies, Modern Jewish history and thought, or Holocaust studies. In each instance, students will be expected to master the necessary languages and other skills required for scholarly expertise in their chosen field of study. In every case, the course of study will be configured according to the student’s special academic interests and professional goals.

New Testament and Christian Origins

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Fredriksen

Darr, Haase, Hefner, Klawans, Knust, Parker, Salzman, Sampley, Scully, Smith, Wallers, Wiseman

Students entering this field should have completed a range of courses in biblical introduction, history of the Ancient Near East, Hellenistic and Roman history and literature, and basic studies in the New Testament. In addition to modern French and German, requisite for research in secondary sources, students must be able to read the New Testament in Greek. Students lacking knowledge of Hebrew will be required to study that language during their graduate program.

History of Christianity

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Robert

Backman, Brown, Dellheim, Diefendorf, Fredriksen, Klepper, Landes, Mason, Prothero, Robert

The program is designed to provide a broad overview of the history and thought of World Christianity as well as to train specialists for careers in a clearly defined area. A hallmark of the program is faculty commitment to the complementarity of intellectual, social, and cultural history.

The program intends to train students to read historical literature critically, and to write history according to rigorous standards of method and style. To initiate this purpose the program offers all entering students a proseminar on historiography that examines a range of the most influential methods, approaches, and frameworks employed by historians of Christianity.

Program strengths include early Modern and Modern European Christianity with particular concentrations on Germany and the British Isles, Christianity in America, and the history of Christianity in modern missions and non-Western Christianity. Faculty in other departments in the University and in the Boston Theological Institute also work in the History of Christianity, and students are urged to become familiar with their offerings and to pursue interdisciplinary work.

Islamic Studies

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Ali

Barfield, Gendzier, Glick, Haeri, Hefner, Korom, Lindholm, Lobel, Mason, Norton

The concentration in Islamic Studies is flexible and may be configured according to the student’s interests and professional goals. The focus is on the religious, literary, and intellectual history of Islam, with emphasis on both the medieval and the modern periods. Students entering the program should have a broad range of courses in one or more of these fields: history of religion, Islamic history, late antique background of Islam, medieval studies, and an Islamic language (Arabic, Persian, or Turkish) and its literature.

Philosophy of Religion

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Zank

Berthrong, Brinkmann, Cao, Cohen, Dahlstrom, Eckel, Ferrarin, Floyd, Garrett, Griswold, Haakonssen, Hart, Hintikka, Katz, Kestenbaum, Kohn, Lobel, Michalski, Neville, Rosen, Swartz, Tauber, Wildman

The philosophical study of religion in this specialization is cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural,and cross-traditional. Degree candidates are expected to deal critically and substantively with comparative issues in the history and philosophy of religion. They must demonstrate mastery of the field in the traditional areas of philosophical study (metaphysics, ontology, epistemology, ethics and the history of ideas), the comparative study of religion (history and phenomenology of religions), and the languages appropriate to their specialization. PhD degree candidates take three qualifying examinations: one in the philosophy of religion, one in the history of philosophy, and a specialized examination leading to the production of a dissertation prospectus.

Science, Philosophy, and Religion

MA, PhD

Coordinators: Wildman, McNelly

Bokulich, Cohen, McNelly, Neville, Roberts, Tauber

This program provides an academic setting for advanced studies in the philosophy of religion and philosophy of science, as well as in mathematics and one or more of the natural sciences, with a view to developing professional competency in the interdisciplinary area defined by the relationship of philosophy, religion, and the sciences. Graduate students in this specialization have access to courses offered by the School of Theology, the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Mathematics, and relevant departments in the sciences. In addition, there are unique opportunities offered by the Boston University Institute for Philosophy and Religion, the Boston Center for the Philosophy and History of Science, and surrounding Boston schools.

Detailed information is available at http://people.bu.edu/wwildman /WeirdWildWeb/deg_phd_spr.htm.

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Theology

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Berthrong

Berthrong, Eckel, Fredriksen, Hart, Kohn, Lobel, Neville, Olson, Stone, Swartz, Tauber

The specialization in theology brings students into the public discussion of theology in a worldwide context. Degree programs take account of motifs from the intellectual reflection of religions and religious philosophies from all over the world. Programs emphasize understanding these motifs and learning how to use them in constructive theological work. The program has two tracks. The single-tradition track emphasizes in-depth knowledge of and constructive skills in relation to theological reflection in the tradition of study, which is usually Christianity (other traditions may be employed as resources permit). The comparative track develops linguistic and theological competence in two traditions and maintains a focus on comparative questions. In both tracks, the training provided is designed for those whose theological interests are strongly academic, whether or not they are deeply involved with the life of a religious community.

Social Ethics

MA, PhD

Coordinator: John Hart

This specialization is designed for those who wish to integrate philosophy, the social teachings of religion, and the social sciences into the study of values and morality in society. Applicants should be well grounded in religious and theological studies, philosophy, and the social sciences. The program prepares graduates for careers within academia and outside of it. Graduates teach in seminaries, colleges, and universities, and hold administrative and policymaking positions in higher education, religious denominations, and human services agencies throughout the world.

Religion and Society

MA, PhD

Coordinator: Seligman

Ammerman, Barfield, Barrand, Chung, Coulter, Hefner, Korom, Levine, Prothero, Seligman, Wolfteich

This is an interdisciplinary program on the relation of religion and culture in modern or traditional societies. Applicants to this specialization should have a solid background in religious or theological disciplines or in one of the humanities or social sciences. It is assumed that the graduate student will take approximately one-third of the coursework in religious and theological studies and two-thirds in a relevant cognate discipline or one-third in a relevant cognate discipline and two-thirds in religious and theological studies.

Religion and Literature

MA, PhD (not accepting applications, 2008-09)

Coordinator: TBA

Bellow, Costa, Eckel, Epstein, Gillman, Hart, Hill, Kline, Mason, Mehlman, Mizruchi, Olson, Redford, Ricks, Vance, Warren, Wiesel

This concentration allows students to explore the interplay between religious traditions and literary studies. Students in this area have done research in the literary afterlife of biblical texts, in the literature of both Islam and Buddhism, and on such topics as the demonic, the sentimental, and the ineffable.

The program is highly flexible and intended to allow a student to pursue a course of study devised with the help of an advisor. A strong sense of self-direction is essential, given the range of specialized concentrations in this area. Students are encouraged to make contact and to work with faculty members throughout the University as well as in the Boston Theological Institute.

Students may choose courses and mentors from a wide range of departments (e.g., Classics, English, Judaic Studies, Modern Foreign Languages & Literatures, Philosophy, Religion & Theology, as well as the University Professors). They are strongly encouraged to attend and to participate in the numerous special lectures, seminars, and symposia offered monthly on topics encompassed by Religion and Literature. Many such opportunities are offered by the Luce Program in Scripture and the Literary Arts, an interdisciplinary religion and literature program sponsored by the Luce Foundation and now in operation at Boston University.

Psychology of Religion

PhD only

Coordinators: Schlauch, Bohn

Bohn, Schlauch

This post-masters academic, non-clinical program is designed to address some of the central substantive and methodological research issues and problems in the field. It reflects the particular expertise and competencies of the faculty in the Psychology and Religion area, as well as of the faculty in the Division of Religious & Theological Studies and the Psychology Department in the College of Arts & Sciences. In addition, it draws upon the faculty resources in local universities and seminaries.

The concentration requires and promotes conversation with cognate areas of inquiry, in four related directions: (a) with psychology (psychological studies), and its forerunners, philosophy and theology; (b) with other fields in the study of religion/religious studies, such as philosophy and theology of religions, sociology of religion, history of religions; (c) with other fields lying at the interface of psychology and religion—pastoral psychology and theology, pastoral counseling and psychotherapy, faith development, spiritual direction, spiritual formation, clinical pastoral education (CPE); (d) with other psychologists of religion whose research may differ depending on perspective, research approach, or subject matter.

Counseling Psychology and Religion

PhD only

Coordinators: Schlauch, Bohn

Barlow, Bohn, Brown, Bufka, Burns, Cronin-Golumb, Harrison, Lyons, Marcucella, McCorkle, Pargament, Sargent, Youngman

Counseling Psychology and Religion (CPAR) is a multidisciplinary post-master’s program committed to training professional psychologists. What makes CPAR a unique psychology training program is our requirement that students complete prior graduate study in religious and/or theological studies. Because of their multidisciplinary preparation, our students learn to coordinate psychological and religious or theological studies in ways that qualify them as university professors as well as clinicians. We teach core competencies in psychological research and practice as well as theological analysis. In addition to training in the science of psychology, our students take advanced courses in religious diversity and in religious and theological studies. These additional requirements better equip our students to practice professional psychology with sensitivity to systems of meaning, value, and belief.

Applicants must hold an MA in religious studies or psychology, MDiv, or MTS. Undergraduate background is required in general psychology, personality theory, social psychology, abnormal psychology, experimental psychology, statistics, and preparation in one foreign language. For those with an MA in psychology, academic prerequisites include biblical studies, church history, philosophy, theology, ethics, and world religions.

This program is accredited by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

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Courses in Religion

Other appropriate courses are listed in the bulletins of the School of Theology and School of Education, and in the bulletin of the Boston Theological Institute. Consult these bulletins under the relevant disciplinary listings. The following courses are offered through the Department of Religion, College of Arts & Sciences.

Please visit us online at www.bu.edu/drts/academics/courses.html for the most up to date course offerings per semester.

CAS RN 524/CAS LL 560 Topics in Bible and Literature

CAS RN 577/STH TS 863/UNI HU 572 Literature of Memory III: Faith and Tragedy

CAS RN 578/STH TS 870/UNI HU 573 Literature of Memory IV: Hope and Despair in Chasidism

GRS RN 601 Varieties of Early Christianity

GRS RN 603 Christian Thought I

GRS RN 607 Medieval Christian Spirituality

GRS RN 613 Hinduism in America

GRS RN 615 Spiritual Autobiography

GRS RN 621 Seminar: Wisdom and Tradition in Ancient Israel and Judaism

GRS RN 622 History of Judaism

GRS RN 623 Classical Jewish Thought

GRS RN 624 Introduction to Rabbinic Literature

GRS RN 625 Seminar: Early Jewish Mysticism

GRS RN 628 Modern Judaism

GRS RN 629 Modern Jewish Thought

GRS RN 631 Zionism and the State of Israel

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GRS RN 633 Antisemitism

GRS RN 634 Dead Sea Scrolls

GRS RN 635 Judaism in the First Century

GRS RN 637 Gender and Judaism

GRS RN 640 The Quran

GRS RN 641 Islamic Mysticism: Sufism

GRS RN 644 Islam and the West

GRS RN 645 Islamic Law

GRS RN 647 Islamic Theology and Philosophy

GRS RN 649 Qur’anic Negotiations: Contemporary Muslim Writers and the Holy Book

GRS RN 660 Taoism

GRS RN 662 Chinese Medicine

GRS RN 663 Zen Buddhism

GRS RN 675 Culture and Religion of Asia

GRS RN 684 The Holocaust

GRS RN 687 Anthropology of Religion

GRS RN 688 Oral Tradition as Verbal Art

GRS RN 689 Moses and Monotheism

GRS RN 690 New Testament Literature

GRS RN 697 Topics in Philosophy and Religion

GRS RN 698 Topics in Philosophy and Religion

GRS RN 712 Theology of Christian Mysticism

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GRS RN 713 Gender in Medieval Christian Mysticism

GRS RN 723 Core Texts and Motifs of World Religions: West

GRS RN 724 Core Texts and Motifs of World Religions: East

GRS RN 725 Topics in South Asian Religion

GRS RN 726 Topics in Religion and Literature in East Asia

GRS RN 727 Topics in American Religion

GRS RN 730 Topics in East Asian Religions: Women in East Asian Religion

GRS RN 735 Women, Gender, and Islam

GRS RN 741 Hermeneutics

GRS RN 743 Problem of Evil

GRS RN 750 Philosophy of Religion

GRS RN 751 Topics in Continental Philosophy and Religion

GRS RN 752 Topics in Religious Thought

GRS RN 768 Symbol, Myth, and Ritual

GRS RN 769 Critique of Religion

GRS RN 770 Topics in Medieval Religious Culture

GRS RN 795 Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Religion I

GRS RN 796 Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Religion II

GRS RN 798 Topics in Ancient Christianity

GRS RN 799 Topics in Judaic Studies

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19 December 2008
Boston University
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